Supervisors assign Drainage District 35 tile problem to watchman; easement in District 89 sent for engineer review

Cerro Gordo County supervisors voted on Oct. 27 to assign an investigation of a damaged drainage tile in Drainage District 35 to the drainage watchman and to forward an easement application affecting Drainage District 89 to an engineer for review.

A county drainage staff member reported a “large 30 inch diameter tile that appears to have a couple of at least 1 stop or open, causing sinkholes,” and recommended assignment to the drainage watchman for inspection. The board noted prior improvements in the area that landowners had previously rejected, and supervisors authorized the watchman to investigate. The motion to assign the District 35 matter passed on a voice vote.

Separately, staff presented an easement request from applicant Bob Marion that would cross a drainage district tile as part of a building and livestock operation. Staff recommended assignment to a drainage engineer to ensure the crossing follows drainage‑district procedures and conditions and that all related costs be paid by the applicant. The board moved, seconded and approved forwarding the easement application for engineering review.

Board discussion emphasized that historical work had taken place near the District 35 area and that some lands had earlier opposed broader improvements; trustees said they would continue repairing failures as they occur. For the Drainage District 89 easement, staff will notify the applicant of the engineering review requirement and cost responsibility.